The San Diego Padres announced the return of Yu Darvish to the team on Friday and removed the experienced Japanese pitcher from the restricted list.

Darvish, who was placed on the restricted list in early July while dealing with a personal family matter, was placed on the 15-day injured list while he works his way back from several months off the mound. His return to the rotation is expected to be a major boost for a team battling for the National League West title.

San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (center) speaks to the media at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on Aug. 23, 2024. (Getty/Kyodo)

According to local media, the 38-year-old right-hander did not reveal the reasons for his departure. “Of course it was a difficult decision to leave,” he was quoted as saying. “Sometimes it can get complicated. But it’s really nice to be back.”

Darvish missed some time early in the season with neck problems and then landed on the injured list with a left groin strain. When he planned to return in late June, Darvish was sidelined with elbow inflammation.

San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (R) throws in the outfield at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on Aug. 23, 2024, after returning from the restricted list. (Getty/Kyodo)

Shortly thereafter, Darvish was placed on the restricted list, meaning he remained under the club’s control even though he was no longer with the club and technically no longer part of its roster.

This season, he is 4-3 with a 3.20 ERA in 11 starts. In May, Darvish earned his 200th career win in Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball.

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